Edmonton police hope to curtail risk as no extradition planned for sex offender

Edmonton police say they have been working with U.S. authorities to minimize the risk an escaped fugitive poses to their communities.

The announcement followed news from a spokesperson for Alberta’s justice department, which said that despite Canada-wide warrants for Michael Stanley, the government will not be seeking extradition after the 48-year-old fled to the U.S.

"Mr. Stanley is not currently charged with any offences of violence in Canada," Dan Laville said in an e-mail Saturday evening.

"The charges currently against him do not typically warrant engaging the extradition process. We advised our federal counterparts of the decision (Saturday) afternoon."

Edmonton’s Police Service (EPS) said they take direction from the Crown on the matter and support the decision.

Warrants issued after Stanley removed his tracking bracelet will remain in effect and if he returns to Canada he will be arrested, they added.

“The EPS has been liaising and sharing information with Seattle Police, US Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security and US Marshalls to ensure the agencies have all the information necessary to help minimize the potential risk that Mr. Stanley may pose to their communities,” the statement continued.

Child Advocate and founder of Little Warriors, Glori Meldrum, said she believed that it was just a matter of time before Stanley reoffended.

“He is a serial child molester. So, it is just a matter of time before he gets another kid.”

She also said she was appalled by the inaction of authorities to extradite him.

“Our kids are our kids. It doesn’t matter if they live in Thailand, if they live in Canada, if they live in the U.S. they are children. And whatever it takes to protect those little kids, that is what should be done.

“There is nothing more valuable than our kids.”

Police first began their search for Stanley on Oct. 1, after the electronic bracelet he had been wearing was found on the roof of businesses in Lloydminister.

The EPS Behaviour Assessment Unit had been monitoring Stanley as he was considered a high-risk offender due to previous violent and sexual offences.

Stanley is still wanted for charges of breach of recognizance, mischief and driving offences.

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Photos

This undated image provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shows Michael Sean Stanley. Canadian police said Thursday Oct. 10, 2013 the violent, high-risk sex offender who has been missing for more than a week has been located in the United States, but he can't be arrested because he's not wanted on any charges in the U.S. Edmonton Det. Chris Hayduk said U.S. border officials were warned that Stanley might try to cross into their country, but Stanley still managed to make it through at Blaine, Washington, south of Vancouver, on Monday night. (AP Photo/Royal Canadian Mounted Police)